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Reflections on the Baptism of the Lord

(The First Sunday in Ordinary Time)

By Joan M. Houk

The readings for
this Sunday:

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Acts 10:34-38

Matthew 3:13-17

While reading the Scriptures for this Sunday, the words lifted up from the page at my fingertips and floated towards my mind’s eye where they were transformed into living images of color and sound of times long ago. I couldn’t help but think of you dearest little one, Anthony, and how your parents and we are preparing for your baptism on January 9, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Had you been born two millennia ago, we would have walked the rough and dusty way with you as our need for repentance relentlessly drove us to the banks of the Jordan. Hearing the Baptist’s urgent cry, "Prepare the way of the Lord," it is imperative that we go down into the river, joining in communion with the others who have entered the cleansing waters. John the Baptist’s voice is hoarse. "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." If only one would listen.

However, it is January 2005, Anthony, as we prepare the way of the Lord with you. We, your god-parents, your parents and others in our community of faith, are preparing ourselves spiritually to walk with you, to literally carry you, to the waters of baptism. In place of the Baptist, John, the Baptist will be Jesus the Christ. We who have already been baptized in Christ will renew our own baptismal promises. For you who have no words in which to communicate, we will speak for you. We will reject Satan and all of his evil works as we privately repent of our own sins.

And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." ( Matthew 3:16-17 NRSV)

Anthony, when Fr. Norman pours water over you, you will be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Yours will be, not only a baptism of repentance, but also a baptism into someone. As you lift your head from the water, the Spirit of God will gently come upon you, and you will be baptized into Christ. Having been baptized into Christ Jesus, Anthony, you too are beloved, a new creation with whom God, our Father-Mother, is well pleased. Again we will speak for you as we profess our faith in God, promise to witness to our Christian faith, and live as disciples of Jesus. And dearest Anthony, you will communicate your acceptance of these promises, and of God’s life and love for you by the love you give in your own way to your parents, god-parents and others.

"The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Anthony, as you grow and mature in the Christian faith you will learn that we, the Body of Christ, are called to live in this kingdom and make it real in the world. Isaiah’s prophecy gives us a servant model for "realizing" the kingdom. We are to know that God’s Spirit is upon us. Faithfully bring forth justice to the nations. Do not be faint or crushed until justice is established in the earth. Live the covenant between God and God’s people. Be a light to the nations. Open the eyes of the blind. Bring prisoners out of the dungeon and out of the darkness. Let us seek justice together.